Mad Men Mocks Identity Politics Through Awkward ‘Caring’ Racism

White liberal characters look foolish after MLK Jr. assassination.

By

Tyler O'Neil

April 29, 2013 - 11:16am

AMC’s “Mad Men,” known for pushing
the bounds of decency[1], nevertheless successfully mocked the disturbing
racism of the left. In last night’s episode, the show focused on the tragic assassination
of Martin Luther King Jr.

Nevertheless, when the office goes out of its way to cater
to a black lady on the following day, this “concern” becomes both hilarious and
sad. When Dawn Chambers (Teyonah Parris) comes in late, she immediately
apologizes, asking, “would you like coffee?” The main character, Don Draper
(Jon Hamm), replies, “I’m just glad you’re okay. I don’t think you should work
today.”

Both Don and Joan Holloway (Christina Hendricks) dote over
Dawn, expecting that – since she’s black – she must be heartbroken.

Joan gives her a well-meaning, but very awkward and
unreturned, hug. “We’re all so sorry.” Dawn looks at her blankly, clearly more
interested in work.

While funny to watch, this patronizing concern – for a woman
who clearly doesn’t need it – encapsulates the sad identity politics on today’s
left. The assumption that the murder of King would mean more to Dawn than
others, and that she may need to leave work over the death of a man she doesn’t
personally know is condescending bigotry.